Repeater mechanism for chimes



Jan. 21, 1958 v J. w. CHRISTY 2,320,913

- REPEATE MEQHANISM FOR CHIMES Filed Sept. 2,1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 mmvrox.

- ATTOENEY5.

l 16' l 28a 22 J2 I v Jan. 21, 1958 w. CHRISTY 2,820,913

REPEATER MECHANISM FOR can/1w 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 2, 1954 'Y/////////////////////////////'////' I ///////l V ATTQQMEYS.

' Jan. 21, 1958 J. w. CHRIS $820,913

REPEA TER MECHANISM FOR CHIMES Filed Sept. 2,1954 4 sh en-sheet s iw o note Slag/e note Sustained 7iuo nole Siggle. note I BY J IwIlVZEh/TQR.

Arrozmsys;

Jan. 21, 1958 J. w. CHRISTY 2,820,913 REPEATER MECHANISM FOR CHIMES I Filed Sept. 2, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 7i'uo note A TTOKNEYS.

United States Patent REPEATER MECHANISM FOR CHIMES James W. Christy, Norwood, Ohio, assignor to NuTone, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio, a corporation of New York Application September 2,, 1954, Serial No. 453,736.

8 Claims. (Cl. SID-35) This invention relatesto solenoid operated door chimes and is directed in particular to a repeater mechanism which is energized by three different push buttons to create three distinctive chime signals, utilizing a single chime unit. The single chime unit may serve three different doors, for instance the front, side and rear doors of a residence, each equipped with an individual push button, the several buttons electrically connected in common to the chime unit.

A chime signal producing two distinctive signals is disclosed in the prior patent of Lowell M. Alexander et al., No. 2,659,074, issued to the present assignee. The structure of the prior patent utilizes a pair of tone bars, re-

lated resonator tubes and a double acting solenoid plunger actuated by a pair of solenoid coils of different magnetic strength and biased by a pair of springs having different resistance to deflection. The stronger spring causes the plunger to strike both tone bars when the stronger solenoid coil is energized and deenergiz'ed, while the weaker spring causes it to strike one tone bar when the weaker coil is energized and deenergized.

The present structure also involves the use of two tone bars, related resonator tubes and a double acting solenoid plunger. A primary object of the present invention has been to provide a repeater mechanism operated by three individual push buttons, the mechanism" creating a sustained or continuous chime signal upon operation of one button, creating a two-note signal upon operation of a second buttonand creating a single note signal upon operation of the third button.

Another object has been to provide more dependable operation and to produce stronger chime signals by impelling the solenoid under electrical energy for the several signals; also to provide a homing circuit whereby the repeater mechanism automatically assumes a homing position clearing all circuits when the buttons are released, thereby conditioning the mechanism to execute any one of :the three cycles described above.

The repeater mechanism essentially comprises a double acting solenoid plunger energized by two opposed coils, a slidable two-position contact shuttle connected to the plunger for movement in response to plunger movement and a set of three stationary contacts engaging the contact shuttle. The stationary contacts are interconnected with the three push buttons and with the two solenoid coils and the shuttle normally resides in a homing position in which the circuits to :the two solenoid coils are open. The plunger is biased to a centralized position between :the two solenoid coils by a pairof compression springs engaged against its opposite-ends.

When the sustained signal button is depressed, one of the solenoid coils is energized, causing the plunger to be impelled in that direction, thereby .striking one of the tone bars. During this motionthe plunger shifts the shuttlezto its second positionito energize theopposite solenoid coil and deenergize the first coil. Aided by the coil springs, the plunger is immediately impelled in the op- "ice posite direction toward the second solenoid coil to strike the second tone bar, again shifting the. shuttle back to its first or homing position. Assuming that the push button is still depressed, the circuit is again completed to the first solenoid coil, causing the plunger again to be impelled in that direction. This cycle is repeated so long as the button is depressed, thereby creating the sustained chime signal. When the button is released, the contact shuttle automatically returns to its homing position ready for the next signal.

When the two-note push button'is depressed, the first coil is again energizedito cause the plunger to strike the back to its homing position, thus opening the circuit after the second tone bar is struck.

When the single note push button is depressed a circuit is established to the second coil to impel the plunger in that direction to strike the second tone bar. When'the plunger moves in this direction, the contact shuttle is not shifted from its homing position; therefore, the circuits are not disturbed and the plunger simply returns to its centralized positionunder the. influence of the coil springs upon release of the single note button.

By operation of the homing circuit, the sliding shuttle clears all circuits at the end of each signal and conditions the mechanism for the next signal. In other words, when the buttons are released, the homing circuit keeps the mechanism energized until the shuttle is shifted to its homing position. This also occurs automatically when the chime signal is initially installed in the event the shuttle is shifted from its homing position during shipment or handling. 7

Various features and advantages of the invention are disclosed in detail in the following description with reference to the drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a door chime unit err bodying the present invention, the cover being broken away to illustrate the general arrangement of the parts.

Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 2.2 of Figure 1, illustrating the repeater mechanismf Figure 3 is a sectional view taken on line 3-;3 of'Figure 2, further detailing the repeater mechanism.

Figure 4 'is a diagrammatic sectional view of the repeater mechanism taken on line 4-4 of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view similar to Figure 4 including the electrical circuit, the continuous chime button being .shown depressed and the circuit set up to shift the solenoid plunger toward the right, the parts being shown in their normal homing position before the first stroke of sustained reciprocation.

Figure .6 is a view similar to Figure 5 showing the position of the parts after the first stroke toward the right, the parts being positioned for energizing the-left hand solenoid coil.

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 5 showing the circuit which is established when-the two-note chime button is depressed, the parts being shown in their normal homing position with the right hand coil energized for shifting the parts in .that direction. i 7

Figure 8 is similar to Figure-7 and shows the circuit set up to vmove thevlplunger and associated parts-toward the left when the two noterbutton is released.

, Figure} is sin1ilar .to.,Figure. Sshowing the circuitset up for the single note operation.

Referring to Figure 1, the repeater mechanism, which lsindicated generally at 10. is mounted uponthe base plate 11 of a two-note chime .unithavinga pair of tone bars 12-12 associated with respective tuned resonators tubes 1313. The tone bars and their resonators tubes preferably are pitched to provide two distinctive musical notes when sounded individually and to produce a harmonious two-tone chord effect when sounded in sequence. As shown, the resonator tubes are mounted upon lugs 14 which are struck up from the base plate, the tone bars being mounted adjacent the tubes upon turned studs 15 passing through the lugs and attaching the tone bars and resonator tubes in common to the lugs. The studs 15 preferably includev grommets: 16. formed of rubber or similar soft material tov prevent .metal-to-metal contact between the studs and tone bars. Each resonator tube includes an opening 17 facing its associated tone bar to providethe resonator effect.

1 The base plate includes a cover 18 which overlies the repeater mechanism and tone .bars to conceal the parts from view and to protect the working parts against dust and dirt. Thestructure, so far described, represents a preferred embodiment of the invention and follows generally the structure shown in the aforesaid prior patent.

jReferring to Figure 2, the solenoid mechanism comprises a sheet metal receptacle 20 attached to the base plate11 and supporting a solenoid tube 21, the tube passingthrough apertures formed in the end walls 22 of the receptacle and having opposite end portions 23 projecting outwardly from opposite ends of the receptacle. The solenoid tube 21 is formed of brass or other non-magnetic material. Mounted upon, the end portions 23 of the solenoid tube is, a pair of solenoid windings or coils 24 and 25 formed of magnetwire, the opposite ends of the coils being confined between insulating washers 26-26 formed of fibrous or plastic material. Suitable insulating material is interposed between the coils and tube upon which they are mounted; the outside diameter of the coil is also covered with insulating material.

Each coil is enclosed by a coil housing 27 .fitted over upon the respective end portions 23 of the solenoid tube and enclosing the coils and insulating washers. .The coil housings preferably are-formed of a single blank of sheet metal bent to form a box-like closure (Figure 3), the open end of the closure having a plurality of tangs 28 projecting into clearanceopenings 28a formed in the side walls of the receptacle, the tangsbeing bent over upon the edges of the end walls. The solenoid tube is locked against endwise movement by a pair of spring retainer caps 3030 which are pressed upon the opposite ends of the tube and seat against the external surface of the coil housings (Figure 2). Theend wall of each retamer cap is provided with a central opening 31 which allows the plunger tips to strike, the tone bars.

As shown in Figure 1, a terminal panel, 32 is mounted upon the open top of thereceptacle 20 overlyingv the solenoid coils The terminal panelis formedof insulating material and includes a series. of electrical terminals 33 connected to the componentsof the repeater mechanism as described later. Electricabsupply and-control Wires, indicated at 34 pass through an opening 29 formed in the base plate and are connected to the terminals 33 by means of terminal lugs .35 attached, to the ends of the wires. The terminal panel is attached to the receptacle by means of the, tangs 36 projectingfrom the upper edges of the receptacle 20 and passing through slots formed in the panel. The tangs are twisted or bent slightly to lock. the panel to the receptacle.

Referring to Figure 3, the three intermediate terminals 33 are in the form of eyelet plates 37, each of which includes a pair of eyelets 38. Each pair of eyelets passes through the panel and their lower ends are curled over as at 39 upon respective flat leaf springs 40, thus eyeletingthe leaf springs to theunder surface of the panel. As best shown in Figure 2,, there is provided a set of three leaf springs 40, each spring being attached to the panel by an individual eyelet plate 37, the electrical circuit being completed from the wires 34 through the selftapping terminal screws 41 which are threaded into one of the eyelets of each pair. The two end terminals 33 also include eyelet plates 37 (Figure 5 but the contact springs are omitted; these terminals connect to the internal Wiring of the repeater mechanism as. indicated later.

Each contact springhas a downwardly dependingportion 42, the lower end of which includes a contact boss 43 (Figure 4), preferably formed as an indent oil the leaf spring. The leaf spring is bent to urge the contact boss under predetermined pressure against a metallic contact strip 44, formed of bronze or the like, which is mounted upon a slidable shuttle sleeve 45, formed of insulating material and loosely engaged upon the solenoid tube 21. Referring to Figure 2, shuttle sleeve 45 includes a longitudinal slot 46 which is transversed by a shuttle actuatingpins47 having an end threaded into the solenoid plunger 48. It will be noted in Figures 2 and 4, thatthe solenoid tube 21 isalso provided with a longitudinal slot 51) extended between the two solenoid coils, permitting the shuttle actuatingpin .47 to move freely from one side of the receptacle to the other.

The solenoid plunger 48 normally is maintained in a centralized position by a pair of compression springs 5151, the springs having inner ends seated against the ends of the plunger and having outer ends seated against the spring retainer caps 30. The compression springs bias ,the plunger constantly toward a centralized position against the motion imparted to it magnetically by the twosolcnoid coils. The opposite ends of the plunger are provided with tips 52 of reduced diameter formed of a fibrous or plastic material. Upon actuation of the plunger, the tips project through the openings 31 of the sleeve caps and impinge against the tone bars as indicated in broken lines in Figures 5 to 9.

It will be understood at this point thatthe shuttle sleeve 4-5, being loosely mounted, is free to be shifted longitudinally upon the solenoid tube in response to the shifting of the solenoid plunger 48. The shifting motion is imparted to the shuttle by the pin 47 engaging the end of slot 46 as the plunger approaches, the end of its stroke but before it impinges against the tone bar. The frictional resistance of the contact rivets 43, bearing against the contact strip 44, is sufiicient to, prevent overtravel of the sliding shuttle at the limits of its lineal motion.

It will be noted in Figure 3 that the shuttle actuating pin 47 passing through the slot 50 of solenoid tube 21,' keys plunger 48 and shuttle sleeve 45 against rotation. This holdsv the contact. strip, 44 in alignment with the contact rivets 43 duringjreciprocation of theplunger and shuttle sleeve. The length of the slot 46 of the shuttle sleeve is related to the 'stroke of the plunger to cause the shuttle to be shifted ,endwisely from its homing position (FigureS) as the plunger approaches ,the end/of its stroke in theright hand directioniandto shift the shuttle back to its homing position'as the plunger moves to the left (Figure 6). This endwise motion is utilized to establish a circuit through the contact strip 44 and contact springs 40' to'energize the solenoid coils' alternately to cause reciprocation of the plunger, as explained with reference to the electrical circuit. v

It-will be noted in Figure4, that the repeater mechanism forms a self-contained unit, the base of the receptacle 20 being provided with lugs 531Which are attached by screws 54 to the base plate. 'Thcirepeater mechanism is thus assembled as a separateunit and attached to the base plate, the wires 34preferably being attached to the terminal 'screws after the'repeater mechanism is installed on the base plate.

It. will be noted in Figure..2 that theinternal wiring 55 which sets up the circuits for the several operations,

is confined within the receptacle 20. The internal wiring 5,5 andexternal wiring '34 is covered by insulated sleeving, as indicated at 56, to prevent short circuiting.

Electrical circuit and operation The circuit disclosed diagrammatically in Figures 5 to 9 represents a typical home installation arranged'to provide three distinct chime signals for three different entrances, the circuit including three push buttons of conventional design indicated generally at 57. Thethree buttons provide selectively a sustained or continuous chime,--a two-note chime or a single note chime, as noted on the drawings, the different signals indicating which button is being pressed. The circuit is powered by a standard six to thirty volt bell transformer 58 which is energized by the A. C. service lines 60 connected to the primary winding 61. It "will be noted that the three intermediate terminals 33 and their contact springs 40 have been indicated at A, B andC and-that the two end terminals 33 are indicated at D and E. Line 62 of the transformer secondary winding is connected to the end terminal E and "the second line 64 of the secondary is connected to the terminal of contact spring B. -It will be noted that terminalE is connected on common to one end of both solenoid coils 24- and by way of line 65, thus constantly energizing one end of each coil. The second line 64 of the secondary transformer winding energizes the op posite ends of the two coils 24 and 25 by way of the push buttons 57, contact springs and contact strip 44 of the shuttle sleeve to provide the three operating cycles, as-explained in detail below.

As '-will be more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the sliding shuttle sleeve has two positions and its contacts provide a homing circuit with the-sleeve normallyresiding in the homing position shown in'Figures land 5. This normal position clears all circuitsat the end of each cycle of operation, such that the mechanism is self-clearing whether the cycle is sustained, two-note, or single note. During the sustained or twonote cycles, the shuttle is shifted from its homing posi tion. during plunger movement toward the right, as indicated in broken lines in Figure 5, and is shifted back to its homing position during plunger movement toward the left as indicated in Figure 6 in broken lines.

.When the sustained chime button is depressed-as shown inFigure 5, the circuit is completed by the line 66 of the .right hand solenoid coil 25 to terminal D, by way of'line 67 to the sustained push button,-and by Way of liner68 to the contact spring A. The circuit is completed fromspring A to spring B by way of contact strip 44 and rfrom spring B by way of the line 64 to'the transformer. Since the opposite end of the coil 25 is energized by lines 62 and from the transformer, the solenoid plunger i will be shifted toward the right by the magnetic field of coil 25 as indicated by the arrow. As the plunger moves toward the right and enters coil 25, sleeve actuating-pin 2-? contacts the end of slot 46, shifting the shuttledd and contact strip 44 to-its-right hand position shown in broken lines, as'plunger tip 52 strikes the tone bar. The sleeve thus assumes the position shown in Figure 6. The shuttle movement occurs as the tip approaches'the tone bar and is-cornpleted as the tip actually contacts the bar. it will be noted that the tip impinges against the bar during overtravel of the end of the plunger beyond the end of the coil as indicated in broken lines; hence, the plunger immediately retracts upon striking the bar.

lt will be seenin Figure 6 that the right hand movement of'the shuttle shifts the contact strip 44 in a direction to establish a circuit from contact spring B to contact spring C. Contact spring B is in direct connection with the transformer by way of line 64, therefore a circuit is completed to the left hand coil 24 by way of strip 44, spring B,'line 64 to the transformer.

it will be seen therefore, that as soon as theplunger strikes the right hand tone bar, right hand coil 25 (is deenergized and coil 24-is energized by way of springs B and C to draw the plunger to the left. It will also be observed at this point that the compression springs 51 function only to return the plunger'toward its centralized position; as the plunger assumes that position'it comes under the influence of the field of left hand coil 24. Thus in either direction of the motion, the actualtone bar impact is produced by electrical energy as distinguished from spring operation.

Upon approaching-the left hand tone bar, pin 47 engagesthe left hand end of slot 46 and shifts the shuttle as indicated in broken lines in Figure '6 back to its homing position shown in full lines in Figure 5. Assuming that the sustained button is still in depressed position, the circuit will be reestablished'to the right hand coil '25 by wayof linefi, terminal D, line '67, sustained button, line 68, contact spring A to contact spring B and by way of line 64 to the transformer. Thesolenoidplunger .will thus be maintained in sustained reciprocation between the two coils so long as the push button is depressed and will always stop at the homing position of Figure 5 when the button is released.

When the two-note button is depressed as shown vin Figure 7, a circuit is established from the right ,hand coil '25 by way of line 66 to terminal D and by way of line '71 to the two-note push button. From the push button, the circuit is completed by way of line 'Z2'to the terminal of spring B and to the transformer by way of line 64. A direct circuit is thus setupto the righthand coil 25 causing the plunger to be impelled toward the line 70 of the left hand coil'24, spring C, through contact right as indicated in broken lines in Figure 7. Upon I striking the tone bar, shuttle 45 is again shifted to the right, as indicated in broken lines in Figure 7, and in full lines in Figure 8.

"When the shuttle is shifted to-the right, a circuit is completed to the left hand coil 24, as shown in FigureS ;by way of line 70, to the terminal of contact spring C, through spring C to spring B by way ofcontact strip 44, the circuit being completed to the transformer by way of line :64. This is'the same circuitshown in Figured. j It will be noted at this point, that theleft handcoil '24 is now energized by the shuttle circuit, while the right hand coil 25 remainsenergized through the push buttontcircuit because the circuit from'the button by way of lines 71 and 66 '(Figure 7 )is still complete. In other words both coils are energized but since the'right hand portion of the plunger is within right hand coil 25, the magnetic flux of coil 24 is ineffective to move the plunger until coil'25 is deenergized. Therefore, when the two-note buttonis released, the righthand spring 51 returns the'plunger to its centralized position, then the left hand coil 24 is effective to pull'the plunger to the left, causing the second note to be struck. As soon as the plunger moves-to its left hand position as indicated by the arrow (Figure'8), the

shuttle is shifted back to its homing position as indicated in broken lines, deenergizing coil 24, with the springs 51 centralizing the plunger. 5

When the single note push button is depressed, as shown in Figure 9, a circuit is established to the'left'hand coil 24 by way ofline 70 to the terminal'of-contact spring C and from said terminal to the push button by way of line 73. From the push button, a circuit iscompleted'by way of line 74 to the terminal of contact spring A, through contact strip 44'to contact spring B andby way of line 64 to the transformer. This propels'the plunger to the left as indicated in broken lines;however,

the shuttle remains stationary in its homing position sincethe slot and pin provide the left hand stroke without tone 'bars are struck during overtravel of the plunger beyond the ends of the coils; in other words the tip strikes the tone' bar then retracts immediately to a position in which the end of the plunger is near the outer end of the coil. Thus, when the single note button is depressed, asingle note is struck, then the plunger retracts within the energized coil until the button is released to deenergize the coil. When the coil is deenergized the spring 51 on the left shifts the plunger back to its centralized position. a

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the ends of both solenoid coils are constantly energized by way of line 62 from the transformer, while the contact strip 44 of the shuttle is also constantly energized from the opposite side of the transformer circuit by way of contact spring B and line 64. Disregarding the push buttons and terminals, contact spring A, which is adjacent coil 24, is connected to coil 25 and spring C, which is adjacent coil 25 is connected to coil 24. Thus when the shuttle is moved toward a given coil, the contact strip and springs after a certain amount of movement complete the circuit to the opposite coil.

The circuit to coil 25 is completed through the sustained button while the circuit to coil 24 is directly from spring C by way of line 70. Therefore, when the sustained button is released, the homing circuit is always es tablished by way of contact spring C to coil 24 to shift the shuttle to homing position. Contact strip 44 of the shuttle is shorter than the distance between springs A and C; hence the circuit to coil 24 is opened when the shuttle reaches homing position.

Since the two-note button is connected directly to coil 25, it completes the circuit upon being depressed and causes the plunger to shift the shuttle from homing posi' tion to its second position, energizing coil 24. The circuit to coil 24 remains closed through the shuttle circuit until the two-note button is released, deenergizing coil 25. At this time the plunger is attracted by coil 24 to strike the second note and restore the shuttle to homing position.

When the single note button is depressed, the circuit is completed from the constantly energized contact strip 44 of the shuttle from spring A to spring C to coil 24; causing the plunger to move to the left. Slot 46 of the shuttle allows pin 47 to move left without shifting the shuttle from its homing position. Therefore, the single note is struck without disturbing the shuttle or its circuits.

Having described my invention I claim:

1. A repeater mechanism for a chime signal comprising a solenoid tube, a first and second solenoid coil mounted on opposite end portions of said tube, a solenoid plunger slidably sustained within said tube and movable endwisely in opposite directions in response to the energization of saidsolenoid coils, spring means connected to the plunger normally maintaining the plunger in an intermediate position relative to said solenoid coils, a shuttle slidably mounted relative to the solenoid tube, the shuttle residing in a homing position when the plunger is in said intermediate position, an actuating element connected to the plunger and engageable with the shuttle, the actuating element shifting the shuttle from said homing position to a second position upon endwise movement of the plunger toward the first solenoid coil and shifting the shuttle back to said homing position upon movement of the plunger toward the second coil, a first and a second contact means, respective conductors electrically connecting the first and second contact means to the first and second solenoid coils, an electrical elementon the shuttle electrically energizing the contact means of the first coil when the shuttle is in homing positionand energizing the contact means of the second coil when the shuttle is shifted to said second position, a normally open sustained reciprocation switch interposed in the conductor between the first contact means and first coil for energizing the same, said switch in closed position providing sustained reciprocation of the plunger and shuttle, and a normally open two-note switch con nected to the first coil for energizing the same independ ently of said shuttle, whereby closing of the two-note switch shifts the plunger toward the first coil and shifts the shuttle to said second position energizing the second coil for movement of the plunger toward the second coil upon opening of said switch.

2. A repeater mechanism for a chime signal comprising a solenoid tube, a first and second solenoid coil mounted on opposite end portions of said tube, a solenoid plunger slidably sustained within said tube and movable endwisely in opposite directions in response to the energization of said solenoid coils, spring means connected to the plunger normally maintaining the plunger in an intermediate position relative to said solenoid coils, a shuttle slidably mounted relative to the solenoid tube, the shuttle residing in a homing position when the plunger is in said intermediate position, an actuating element connected to the plunger and engageable with the shuttle, the actuating element shifting the shuttle from said homing position to a second position upon endwise movement of the plunger toward the first solenoid coil and shifting the shuttle back to said homing position upon movement of the plunger toward the second coil, a first and a second stationary contact means, respective conductors electrically connecting the first and second contact means to the first and second solenoid coils, an electrical element on the shuttle electrically energizing the contact means of the first coil when the shuttle is in homing position and energizing the contact means of the second coil when the shuttle is shifted to said second position, a normally open sustained reciprocation switch interposed in the conductor between the first contact means and first coil for energizing the same, said switch in closed position providing sustained reciprocation of the plunger and shuttle, and a single note switch connected to the second solenoid coil for energizing the same, whereby closing of the single note switch shifts the plunger toward the second coil without shifting the shuttle from said homing position.

3. A repeater mechanism for a chime signal comprising a solenoid tube, a first and second solenoid coil mounted on opposite end portions of said tube, a solenoid plunger slidably sustained within said tube and movable endwisely in opposite directions in response to the energization of said solenoid coils, spring means connected to the plunger normally maintaining the plunger in an intermediate position relative to said solenoid coils, a shuttle slidably mounted relative to the solenoid tube, the shuttle residing in a homing position when the plunger is in said intermediate position, an actuating element connected to the plunger and engageable with the shuttle, the actuating element shifting the shuttle from said homing position to a second position upon endwise movement of the plunger toward the first solenoid coil and shifting the shuttle back to said homing position upon movement of the plunger toward the second coil, a first and a second stationary contact means, respective conductors electrically connecting the first and second contact means to the first and second solenoid coils, an electrical. element on the shuttle electrically energizing the contact means of the first coil when the shuttle is in homing position and energizing the contact means of the second coil when the shuttle is shifted to said second. position, a normally open sustained reciprocation switch interposed in the conductor between first contact means and first coil for energizing the same, said switch in closed position providing sustained reciprocation of the plunger and shuttle, a normally open two-note switch connected to the first coil for energizing the same independently of said shuttle, whereby closing of the twonote switch shifts the plunger toward the first coil and shifts the shuttle to said second position energizing the second coil for movement of the plunger toward the second coil upon opening of said two-note switch, and a.

single note switch connected to the second coil for energizingthe same, whereby closing of the single note switch the shuttle from said homing position.

4. A repeater mechanism for a chime signal comprising, a solenoid tube, a first and secondsolenoid coil mounted upon the opposite end portions of said tube, a solenoid plunger slidably sustained in said tube and movable endwisely in opposite directions in response to the energi'zation of the first and second coils, a shuttle slidably sustained relative to the solenoid tulSe', an actuating element mounted upon the plunger and engaging the shuttle, the actuating element shifting the shuttle respectively to a first and second position in response to the movements of the plunger in opposite directions, a stationary contact mounted adjacent the first coil and connected to the second coil, a second stationary contact mounted adjacent the second coil and connected to the first coil, contact means on the shuttle alternately energizing said stationary contacts in response to the movements of the plunger and shuttle to said first and second positions, a sustained signal switch interposed between the first coil and the stationary contact which energizes the same, said switch providing said sustained reciprocation upon closing thereof, a two-note switch connected directly to the first coil and energizing the same, closing of the twonote switch shifting the plunger toward said first coil to provide the first note and shifting the shuttle to said second position to energize the second coil, the solenoid plunger being shifted toward the second energized coil upon opening of the two-note switch to deenergize the first coil thereby providing the second note.

5. A repeater mechanism for a chime signal comprising, a solenoid tube, a first and second solenoid coil mounted upon the opposite end portions of said tube, a solenoid plunger slidably sustained in said tube and movable endwisely in opposite directions in response to the energization of the first and second coils, a shuttle slidably sustained relative to the solenoid tube, an actuating element mounted upon the plunger and engaging the shuttle, the actuating element shifting the shuttle respectively to a first and second position in response to the movements of the plunger in opposite directions, a stationary contact mounted adjacent the first coil and connected to the second coil, a second stationary contact mounted adjacent the second coil and connected to the first coil, contact means on the shuttle alternately energizing said stationary contacts in response to the movements of the plunger and shuttle to said first and second positions, a sustained signal switch interposed between the first coil and the stationary contact which energizes the same, said switch providing said sustained reciprocation upon closing thereof, and a single note switch interconnecting said stationary contacts and establishing a circuit from the contact means of the shuttle to the second coil for shifting the plunger toward the second coil without shifting the shuttle from said first position, thereby to provide a single note.

6. A repeater mechanism for a chime signal comprising a solenoid tube, a first and second solenoid coil mounted on opposite end portions of said tube, a sole noid plunger slidably sustained within said tube and movable endwisely in opposite directions in response to the energization of said solenoid coils, spring means connected to the plunger normally maintaining the plunger in an intermediate position relative to said solenoid coils, a generally cylindrical shuttle slidably mounted upon the solenoid tube and residing in a homing position when the plunger is in said intermediate position, an actuating element connected to the plunger and engaging the shuttle, the actuating element shifting the shuttle from said homing position to a second position upon movement of the solenoid plunger toward the first solenoid coil and shifting the shuttle back to said homing position upon movement of the plunger toward the second coil, an elongated electrical contact element mounted on the shuttle and movable therewith a set of three stationary contacts nro'unte'd adjacent the shuttle and spaced apart from one another along said elongated contact element, the intermediate of said contacts being in constant sliding elec' trical contact with the said elongated contact element, the two endwis'e contacts at opposite sides of the intermediate contact being spaced apart adistanc'e greater than.

the length of the elongated contact element and electrically connected to said first and second solenoid coils in reverse order, one of said endwise contacts slidably contacting the elongated contact element when the shuttle is in said homing position, said elongated contact element slidably contacting the opposite endwise contact upon movement of the shuttle from said homing position to said second position, an electrical circuit having one side in common electrical connection with an end of both solenoid coils, the opposite side of said circuit connected to the said intermediate contact, the said two endwise contacts alternately completing the electrical circuit through the elongated contact element of the shuttle to the solenoid coil at one end of the tube upon reciprocation of the plunger and shuttle to an opposite end, providing sustained reciprocation of the shuttle and plunger.

7. A repeater mechanism for a chime signal comprising a solenoid tube, a pair of solenoid coils mounted on opposite end portions of said tube, a solenoid plunger slidably sustained within said tube and movable endwisely in opposite directions in response to the alternate energization of said solenoid coils, a pair of coil springs disposed within said tube and engaged against respective opposite ends of said plunger, said springs normally maintaining the plunger in an intermediate position relative to said solenoid coils, a shuttle sleeve slidably mounted upon the solenoid tube between said coils, said solenoid tube having a longitudinal slot extending between said coils, the shuttle sleeve having a longitudinal slot in registry with the slot of the solenoid tube, an actuating member mounted on the solenoid plunger and projecting through said slots, said actuating member contacting the ends of the slot of the shuttle sleeve as the solenoid plunger approaches the respective opposite limits of movement toward said solenoid coils, thereby to shift the shuttle sleeve endwisely in opposite directions, a pair of stationary contacts cross connected to said pair of solenoid coils, contact means on said shuttle alternately energizing said contacts in response to the movements of the shuttle, said contacts alternately completing the circuit to a coil at one end of the solenoid tube upon reciprocation of the plunger and shuttle to an opposite end, thereby providing sustained reciprocation of the plunger and shuttle.

8. A repeater mechanism for a chime signal comprising a solenoid tube, a pair of solenoid coils mounted on opposite end portions of said tube, a solenoid plunger slidably sustained within said tube and movable endwisely in opposite directions in response to the alternate energization of said solenoid coils, a pair of coil springs disposed within said tube and engaged against respective opposite ends of said plunger, said springs normally maintaining the plunger in an intermediate position relative to said solenoid coils, a shuttle sleeve slidably mounted upon the solenoid tube between said coils, said solenoid tube having a longitudinal slot extending between said coils, the shuttle sleeve having a longitudinal slot in registry with the slot of the solenoid tube, an actuating member mounted on the solenoid plunger and projecting through said slots, said actuating member contacting the ends of the slot of the shuttle sleeve as the solenoid plunger approaches the respective opposite limits of movement toward said solenoid coils thereby to shift the shuttle sleeve endwisely in opposite directions, a contact strip on said shuttle, and a set of three stationary contact members mounted adjacent the shuttle and spaced apart from one another along said contact strip, the intermediate 11 12. otji Pif P htBQ i EL cons an l tric l. co es-l PQSiW-fififittlkQIebitlfittidins aiti s1 c p o a fi ioi. with sidfcoiitcfstrip and energizing 1116831116, the'conthe plunger andshuttlc." tecteon opposite, sides of the intermediate contact being References Cited inthe file of this patent snacdfapa'rt z disjtance greater than the length of the c'on'tchstrip, saidcontacts being electtically connected UNITED STATES PATENTS to the solenoid coils at opposite ends of the solenoid tube 998,564 B'onzall July 18, 1911 in reverse order, said contacts on opposite sides of the 1,098,893 Dinsin'oor June 2, 1914 intermediate contact alternately completing an electrical 1,120,414 Schoolfield Dec. 8, 1914 circuit to the solenoid coil at one end of the solenoid tube 1,285,371 Powell Nov. 19, 1918 upon reciprocation of the plunger and shuttle to an op- 10 2,659,074 Alexander Nov. 10, 1953 

